Shrek the Musical has found its Shrek. Brian d'Arcy James will portray the green ogre in the stage adaptation of the popular Dreamworks film and the book by William Steig. The show opens Dec. 14 on Broadway.

Celebrity chef Mario Batali goes from the frying pan into the fire Nov. 7 as the subject of a celebrity roast, "Roasted, Battered and Fried." The event benefits the Food Bank of New York City and launches the third annual New York Comedy Festival, which runs through Nov. 12.

Veering sharply from its tradition of over-the-top spectacle, this gambling capital is rolling the dice on intimate musical theater. On Saturday, Avenue Q, the 2004 best musical Tony winner, opens in previews for a multiyear gig at the Wynn Las Vegas resort.